Woman barricaded herself in room after sexual assault in Donegal - Donegal Daily

A terrified woman barricaded herself into a room after being sexually assaulted in Donegal, a court has heard.A man in his 40s appeared before a vacation sittin...

A terrified woman barricaded herself into a room after being sexually assaulted in Donegal, a court has heard.

A man in his 40s appeared before a vacation sitting of Donegal District Court charged in connection with the alleged incident.

The accused man was granted bail by Judge Ciaran Liddy after Gardai sought that he be remanded in custody.

A Garda gave evidence of arresting the man at a location in Donegal. The man was charged at 10.52am on August 19.

After being handed a copy of the charge sheet and cautioned, the man made no reply.

The man is charged with sexually assaulting a woman at a location in Donegal on a date in 2025. The offence is contrary to section 2 of the Criminal Law (Rape) Act 1990 as amended by section 37 of the Sexual Offences Act 2001.

Garda Sergeant Maurice Doyle told the court that there was a State objection to bail being granted.

A Garda said that the objection was due to the nature of and the strength of the evidence as well as the seriousness of the offence and the sentence likely to be imposed if convicted.

Michael Langan helps students find ‘safe space’ through Man United Foundation role

Gardai also raised concerns that the accused man could flee the jurisdiction.

The court heard that the woman, with the aid of a friend, told investigating Gardai that she used items of furniture to barricade herself into a room in a property following the alleged incident.

The suspect was arrested and interviewed several days later, but made no admissions.

The Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) has directed that the matter be dealt with summarily in the District Court.

A solicitor for the man said that her client has no passport and has been “fully cooperating” with Gardai.

The defendant must: not interfere with or contact the alleged injured party or any witnesses in the case, including by social media; sign on at a Garda station once a week; reside at a specified address and notify Gardai of any change; be available 24-7 for contact on a mobile phone; and not commit any further offence and be of good behaviour.